Foldable yoke life presservers



Oct. 13, 1964 B. B. BROWN 3,152,343

FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVERS Filed Feb. 12, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 13, 1964 5. BROWN FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 12, 1963 Oct. 13, 1964 B. B. BROWN 3,152,343

FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVERS Filed Feb. 12 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 13, 1964 B. B. BROWN FOLDABLE YOKE LIFE PRESERVERS 4 Sheets -Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 12, 1963 United States Patent Office 3,152,343 Patented Get. 13, 196

3,152,343 FGLDABLE Y-{EKE LIFE YERESER nRS Beltleu lirown Was. Stamford, Conn.

acks ioint, Filed Feb. 12, 63, Ser. No. 258,617 5 laizns. tCi. 9-312) This is a continuation-in-part of my application Serial No. 1i6,498, filed June 12, 1961, which is a continuation-in-part of my application Serial No. 84,806, filed January 25, 1961, and n w United States Patent 3,065,476.

The present invention relates to life saving devices and more particularly to yoke-type preservers.

Pillow arid combined cushion and life-belt life preservers are known. Known combined cushions and life-belt preservers consist of life-belts or jackets or vest-type life preservers that are relatively cumbersome to place into use particularly if the wearer is in the water when he attempts to put the life saving device on. Yoke-type life preservers are known. The usual life preserver of the yol etype requires considerable storage space and can only be used exclusively for a life saving function.

My Patent 3,965,476 disclosed a foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising two halves of molded, closed cell plastic foam which are buoyant. The two halves are pivotally attached to each other so that they may be disposed adjacent in side-by-side relation in an extended condition forming substantial extensions of each other. One of the halves is provided with a through opening for receiving the neck of th weare The two halves can be folded so that one overlies the other in registry therewith forming a compact buoyant folded unit which is enclosed in a removable cover to provide a decorative and utilitarian cushion or pillow.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved foldable, yoke-type life preserver usable as a life saving device, a decorative cushion, a head rest or pillow usually stored as a compact buoyant folded unit and readily accessible when needed.

A feature of the improved yoke-type life preserver, according to the invention, is the improved pivotal attachment of two integral halves forming the buoyant portions of the lif preserver.

Another feature in one embodiment of the improved life preserver is the provision of a protective cover which is both decorative and functional. The cover pivotally connects the two halves of the life preserver. The cover forms an integral part of the life preserver and is not removed as in the known constructions including the constniction illustrated in my Patent 3,065,476.

Another feature and advantage of the yoke-type life preserver in accordance with the present invention is the provision of a yoke-type life preserver construction in which the two halves are free of openings so that maximum buoyancy is obtained.

Life preservers according to the invention are preferably constructed with the half of the preserver that is worn on the body in a bib-like manner made as an integral whole rather than being made as two portions as illustrated in my Patent 3,065,476. However, a preferred construction is made by using two portions for the half or the preserver worn about the neck of the user. These two portions define therebetween a through slit through which the wearer inserts his head when putting on the life preserver. Moreover, the new and improved lifepreservers according to the invention have the tie-straps, securing the preserver to the body of the wearer, secured thereon without piercing either of the life preserver halves.

()ther eatures and advantages of the yoke-type preserver in accordance with the present invention will be better understood as described in the following specification and appended claims in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

PEG. 1 is a perspective view of a life preserver, according to the invention, and is illustrative of a condition in which two body portions forming two halves of the life preserver are fully extended in a side-by-side position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the life preserver shown in FIG. 1 in a folded condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective View of another embodiment of a life preserver according to the invention and illustrates a flexible hin e physical connection for the body halves;

PEG. 4 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a life preserver according to the invention illus trating another physical connection of the two body halves;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible hinge member usable to pivotally hinge the body halves of embodiments of a life preserver, according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a life preserver according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional View taken along line 7--7 of PEG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a yoke-type life preserver illustrating an embodiment in which a cover functions to pivotally connect the two body halves;

PEG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a yoke-type life preserver of the type generally illustrated in FIG. 8;

HG. 11 is a perspective view of a yoke-type life preserver and is illustrative of two body halves pivotally joined by a cover and comprises a cut-away illustrative of the preserver when not in use free of an open opening;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the yoke-type life preserver illustrated in FIG. 11 and is illustrative of the configuration of the neck opening and position of the body when the life preserver is worn;

PK}. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the life preserver in FIG. 11 and is illustrative of a pivotal connection between the two body halves;

FIG. 14- is a perspective view of the combination life preserver cushion illustrated in FIG. 11, and is illustrative of how it may be used both as a seat cushion and a seat back;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of one portion of one of the body halves of the life preserver of the type illustrated in FlG. 11 and is illustrative of the construction thereof;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are other longitudinal sectional views of one part or portion of one of the body halves of a life preserver of the type illustrated in FIG. 11.

According to the drawing a yoke-type life preserver 1 according to the invention is constructed with two buoyant body halves or portions 2, 3 of substantially the same peripheral configuration and thickness and made of buoyant plastic material with the second body portion 3 constructed as an integral whole as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first body portion 2 has a through opening 4 extending through the body portion to the major face surfaces thereof and configured for receiving the neck of a wearer of the life preserver. In this construction the opening 4 is non-circular and is substantially oval in configuration.

A through slit 5 is provided in the first body portion 2 starting at the neck-receiving opening 4 and extending to a side surface 6 of the portion 2 and terminates thereon. The second buoyant body portion 3 substantially forms a continuation of the portion 2 when the body halves or portions are disposed adjacent each other in as a side-by-side extended relationship in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

The two body portions 2, 3 are quadrilaterals having two parallel sides and are of substantially equal thickness and substantially equal peripheral dimension and are pivotally connected by hinge means comprising a flexible fabric strip 9 bonded or otherwise secured to the life preserver halves by a water-proof bonding agent. The strip 9 is bonded on the body halves on a major face surface thereof which corresponds to the inner face surfaces of the life preserver when the preserver is folded for use as a pillow or cushion, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2. The hinge strip 9 extends substantially across the major faces and fixes the two body portions relative to each other holding them in alignment and spaced in the position shown in FIG. 1 corresponding to an extended condition with a space between the two body portions.

The strip 9 is made of a flexible material, for example webbing, to allow folding the life preserver with the body portion 2 overlying the body portion 3 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The strip 9 and the bond formed between it and the body portions have tear strength sufficient to withstand tension comparable to and greater than that which the body halves themselves can withstand. The fiexible hinge strip 9 may be provided with a tab 9a which is foldable over a side surface 13 of the portion 3 and bonded thereon, to preclude tearing of the plastic material from which the body portions are formed.

The second body portion 3 is a unitary whole memher and is provided with a plug-like element or insert 18 which is disposed in an upstanding position on a major inner face of this body portion and is made of the same material as the body portion. This upstanding insert is formed integral with the body portion or otherwise bonded thereon. The plug-like element or insert 18 is received in the opening 4 thereby substantially filling it to form a cushion. The element 18 is oval in configuration and in the example illustrated has the lower part next adjacent the body portion 3 dimensioned to fit substantially snugly in the opening 4. The element 18 has bevelled side surfaces 1811 thereby leaving a space, as shown in FIG. 2, between its side surfaces and the surfaces defining the opening 4. Its height is such that its top 1812 is substantially flush with the outer major face surface of the body portion 2 when the life preserver is in its folded condition.

The life preserver is Worn in the manner of a bib with the plug-like insert portion 18 extending forwardly of the wearer as heretofore mentioned. The life preserver is slipped on over the head of the wearer. In each of the embodiments of the invention the life preserver develops a turning or righting moment capable of rotating the wearer to a position facing upwardly if he is face down in the water and relatively still. The member 18 is positioned centrally relative to side surfaces 3a, 3b so that it will tend to displace sutficient water and assist in creating a turning moment tending to cause the wearer to be rolled over on his back if he is unconscious in the water or fatigued. Each of the embodiments of the life preserver according to the invention herein described will hold his head up in the water and will not allow him to lie in the Water with his face downwardly if he is at rest as he would be if he were unconscious. The slit 5 allows easy manipulation of the body portion 2 so that it can be placed on the wearer somewhat in the manner of a yoke. The second body portion or half 3 has a suitable tie strap 19 having a length 19a bonded with a water-proof bonding agent or otherwise secured on a strip of fabric 21 bonded on the major inner. face of the second body portion. The remaining length 1% of the strap is free to encircle the waist of the wearer and is provided with a hook or snap 23 securable to a ring 245- on the fixed length 1% of the strap.

The fabric strip 21 is bonded with a water-proof adhesive or otherwise secured to the inner face of the sec ond body portion and has a part thereof adjacent the ring 24 and extends across the inner major face of the portion 3 and thereby provides protection against abrasion and wear from the hook or snap 23 when hooked on the ring 24 during use of the preserver and reinforces the portion of the preserver to which the tie strap is anchored. The strap 19 is, of course, provided with adjustment means for variably adjusting the overall length thereof. The tie strap is folded in the manner shown in FIG. 1 to allow folding the portions into a cushion. 7

Another embodiment of a foldable life preserver in which the second body portion is constructed as an integral whole is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a first buoyant body portion 32 is pivotally connected to a buoyant second body portion 33 which is constructed as an inte rated whole and which may be provided with an upstanding plug-like insert portion, not shown, receivable in an opening 35 in which the neck of the wearer is received. In this construction hinge means in the form of a flexible fabric strip 37, constructed similarly to the strip 9, is bonded as heretofore described to the next adjacent side surfaces of the two body portions as illustrated. The hinge means 37 has a cutaway portion forming a tab which permits a through slit 39 in the first body portion 32 to be open from the side surface of the first body portion 32 into the neck opening 35 so that the body portion 32 can be readily manipulated on placing the portion 32 over the head of the wearer.

A third embodiment of the type of construction of the life preserver in which the second body portion is formed as an integral whole is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which a buoyant first body portion 46 is pivotally secured to a buoyant second body portion 42 and hinge means 43, in the form of a flexible strip of fabric or plastic material, is bonded on a side surface of .the second body portion 42 and on the inner major face surface of the first body portion 48 so that the portion 41) can be folded overlying the body portion 42 and only substantially one half of the hinge means is disposed between the two body portions when the jacket is in a folded condition.

In this embodiment a plug-like portion, not shown, is formed or otherwise mounted on the body portion 42 and is received in an opening 44. The construction of the hinge means or strip 43 is substantially similar to the construction of FIG. 5 in which a tab 9:: is bonded onto the major inner face surface of the second body portion 42 and allows a through slit 45 to operate in the manner heretofore described with respect to the other embodiments of this type of construction of the life preserver. It is to be understood that in each construction the hinge means holds the two body portions in fixed spaced positions when the life preserver is in an extended condition and allow the portions to be placed in face-to-face relationship in registry when the life preserver is folded into a compact unit.

A fourth embodiment of a life preserver is illustrated in FIG. 6 in which first and second buoyant portions 62, 63 are provided. The first portion has a through opening 64 extending between the major faces thereof. The portion 62 is made as a unitary, wholly integral member free of a slit between the opening 64 and a side surface in the manner of the embodiments heretofore described. The opening 64 is sufiiciently large that with the permissible stretching 'of the plastic material from which the portion is made the portion 62 can be slipped over the head of a wearer. In view of the stretching to which the plastic portion 62 is subjected it is preferably dipped in a suitable self-vulcanizing plastic creating a tough, stretchable plastic skin over the portion 62.

The second buoyant portion 63 is pivotally connected to the first portion 62 by a unitary flexible strip of ma terial 67 bonded on the major surfaces of the portions that form the inner faces of the portions which are faceto-face when the two portions are in a superimposed condition. A second flexible strip, not shown, is bonded to the sides 68, 69 of the two portions jointly cooperating with the strip 67 to form flexible hinge means in this embodiment. These strips are suitably bonded and also covered by the dipping heretofore mentioned.

The second portion 63 is provided with a plug-like insert 70 received in the opening 64 in the manner of the embodiment of PEG. 1. The second portion 63 carries a tie-strap 72 made, for example of cotton or nylon webbing material, and freely inserted through a pair of rectangular rings 74, 75, anchored to the inner face or major surface of the second portion by respective T shaped strips 76, '77 suitably bonded to the inner face of the second buoyant portion.

The life preservers illustrated in FIGS. 16 may each be covered with a decorative cover or casing, not shown, in the manner heretofore described in my Patent 3,065,- 476 so that a smooth compact unit usable as a pillow or cushion is formed as heretofore disclosed.

The life preservers according to the invention are made of a material which will not compact so that when the preservers are in a folded condition, shown in FIG. 2, they may be used as headrest pillow or cushion. The two body halves are preferably made of a buoyant plastic, for example, a unicellular vinyl foam formed by treatment of a suitable polyester. The plastic material is of sufficient thickness and area to buoy up or sustain th wearer of a given weight depending on the individual preserver. It is to be understood that the two body halves or portions of each of the embodiments of the life preservers illustrated and described can be made by molding the halves or alternatively the body halves can be made from sheets of suitable buoyant plastic material which are themselves molded or otherwise formed and then cut to dimension.

Moreover, the life preservers can be coated or otherwise covered by a protective skin, for example, by dipping in known manner in a suitable self-vulcanizing plastic material that will strengthen the various bonds and increase the tear strength of the body halves and other component body parts of the life preservers. The opening 4, of each embodiment, is suitably disposed on the body portion 2 providing a sufiicient distance or space etween the opening and a side or end surface of body portion 2 so that the head of the wearer of the life preserver is buoyed up and held up comparable to the function of a collar on a vest life jacket or preserver.

Preferred constructions of life preservers according to the invention will be hereinafter described. The life preserver according to the invention is preferably made with the cover thereof, which is made of a decorative material, made integral with the life preserver and functioning as a decorative protective cover as well as a pivotal connection for the body halves of the life preserver. The life-preservers later described are ready for immediate use without need of removal of the cover.

A Construction of this type is illustrated in FIG. 8 in which a body portion 89 is provided with a through circular opening 81 which extends through the body portion to the major face surfaces thereof and is configured for receiving the neck of a wearer of the life preserver. The portion 313 is free of a slit. A second body portion 82 is provided with a plug-like projection 84 in the manner heretofore described. The flexible means joining the two body portions comprises a cover or casing 85 made, for example, of a duck, wear-resistant material of a decorative color, both for appearance and for easily finding the wearer in the water. The duck material may be suitably moisture proofed, mildew proofed, and can even be treated with luminous material which is nonharmful to humans. The cover 35 functions to provide a protective, decorative cover and provides means for pivotally joining the two body halves it 32.

The cover 85 is constructed with a cord or welting 87 around the inner and outer peripheral edges of each half 83, 32. A strip 89, of the cover, between the body halves provides a pivotal strong flexible joint capable of withstanding wear and tear. The welting $7 is built into the cover or casing and extends along the adjacent edges of the two portions for example, a welting portion 90 extends along one edge of the half 8%? and a welting portion i is a continuation thereof, so that the two body halves are joined by a strong flexible member having sufficient tensile strength to withstand any of the known governmental tests and to maintain the two body portions integrally, pivotally joined.

in the construction illustrated in FIG. 8 the cover forms a continuous sheet of duck material 92 extending the full length of the two portions 8%, 82 and has an opening 93 somewhat larger than the through opening 81 exposing a small annular portion of the molded plastic half 8%. The cover does not extend over the pluglike element 3-; as illustrated.

Another embodiment of the yoke-type life preserver according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10 in which an upper or first body portion 1% is joined with a lower or second portion 1291 held internally of a cover 164. In this construction the life preserver is free of a plug-like element comparable to the element 34-. The upper body half is provided with a somewhat rectangular opening Th7 and the cover 15M has an inner covering strip 1&8 covering the opening it so that the portion ltill internally thereof is completely covered and protected. The lift preserver is provided with a web strap lit? constructed in the manner heretofore described for securing the life jacket on the body of the wearer.

Preferred embodiments of the life preserver according to the invention are illustrated in FIGS. lll7 inclusive. These embodiments of the life preserver provide a construction of a life preserver which is ready for immediate use. In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 11, a life preserver, according to the invention, comprises a first body half Eli-.1 and a lower or second half 112 enclosed in a cover or casing 113 having welting 114 in a manner heretofore described. The body half 111 comprises two parts 111a, 1131b each individually covered and illustrated with a portion of the cover cut-away to illustrate the uni-construction of the two parts into a body portion. The two parts jointly are substantially the same size as the lower body half or portion 112. The two parts 113a, 111E) are joined together by welting portions 114a, 3.141), at the top th reof and 1.140 extending circumferentially of both portions together. The welting is formed by a strong cord encased in the material of the cover or casing. Moreover, at the point of juncture the cover Till may be reinforced as illustrated in FIG. 13 adjacent the pivotal connection between the two body halves and at the top of the life preserver as illustrated at 11 5 and 117 respectively.

The two portions 111a, lllb jointly define an elongated opening or longitudinal through slit Ft? therebetween extending between the two major surfaces of the individual portions which can be opened up to form an opening 12 5 for receiving the neck of a wearer. The opening can be opened by simply pulling the two parts 111a, 1111; apart and is closed by releasing them so that the two parts automatically restore themselves and assume the positions illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 11 respectively in an open and closed condition. In order to provide for easily opening the slit 119 to the open position illustrated in FIG. 12 each part 111a, Till) is provided with a region A, adjacent the slit T19, of greater flexibility or compressibility than the rest of the individual portion. These regions A as illustrated in FY. 11 are provided with a series of small through holes 122 adjacent the inner edge of the individual portions adjacent the edge that defines the slit therebetween with larger holes 124 arranged in a somewhat semi-circular configuration to permit greater compressibility of the individual regions A in the two portions. The holes function as cells for increasing the compressibility of the plastic in the zones A. These zones or regions, therefore, provide greater flexibility so that the opening 12% can be readily formed without stretching the flexible cover or any of the means for securing the two portions into an integral whole portion and so that when worn about the neck of the wearer the regions A, while tending to restore themselves to the closed position, do not apply an undesirable pressure on the neck. of the wearer.

The life preserver is worn in the position illustrated in FIG. 12 in which the head of the wearer extends through the opening 125') and the front side of the preserver when Worn as illustrated in FIG. 12. This side also forms the inner part of the preserver when in a folded condition. The preserver is provided with a web strap 125 in the manner heretofore described and is a flexible strap that can be arranged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11 and held down by an elastic strip 126 secured to the side of the cover. The strip 126 may be a permanent elastic strip or a strip made of Vel-Cro so that the web strap is not bulky when two halves 111, 112 are in an overlying position forming a cushion.

The cover may have secured thereto a plurality of Vel-Cro corner members 127 cooperative with a similar member 128 on the upper half so that when the life preserver is closed it is substantially held in a closed position forming a compact cushion or a headrest. The life preserver forms a compact cushion with the two portions 111, 112 overlying each other in a closed condition. Moreover, the life preserver can be used as a cushion for a seat or chair as illustrated in FIG. 14 with the portions arranged in the arrangement illustrated in which the outer surfaces opposite the inner surfaces illustrated in FIG. 11 are the surfaces on which the user rests. The upper body half 111 forms a back rest and the lower portion 112 forms a seat cushion by itself as illustrated in FIG. 14. The strap, not shown, in FIG. 14 is suitably arranged as illustrated in FIG. 11 so that the portion 112 is comfortable when sat thereon. It is, of course, understood that when the two portions overlie each other the portion 112 forms the cushion part and rests on the upper portion 111 and the web strap is suitably folded between the two halves and tends to recede into the flexible portion A when a person seats himself thereon so that the cushion is quite comfortable and the user is unaware of the strap in either case, when being used where the two halves overlie each other or are in the position illustrated in FIG. 14.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the seat or chair 131i is illustrative only of the use of the life preserver as a cushtion. The preserver can be used with boat deck chairs, or any type of seat used aboard a boat. Moreover, the life preserver can bebuilt into an airplane seat back, not shown, so that it is immediately ready for use on transoceanic flights.

FIGS. 15-17 are additional sectional views illustrating the manner in which one of the portions of the upper half of a life preserver according to FIG. 11 and the invention can be constructed. In order to simplify the drawing a common reference numeral is applied to the left portion of the life preserver type illustrated in FIG. 11 and each portion is designated 11112 with the flexible portion A denoted region A. It being understood that the covers in each instance are cut-away to illustrate the cells in the construction of a life preserver. In FIG. 15 the region A is formed by a plurality of cells 122, 124 illustrated on a large scale. In FIG. 16 the region A formed in the life preserver comprises an arcuate recess 130, however, having a considerably smaller transverse dimension than the transverse dimension of the openings heretofore described with respect to the embodiments of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. In'this construction a recess 131] is formed on each part of the half. The recesses are elongated and one is shown in FIG. 16. The

cover is stretched across the opening and the cover along with the two parts defines an elongated slit as heretofore described.

FIG. 17 illustrates a combination recess 131 and a plurality of holes 132, 133 in an arcuate configuration or a semi-circular configuration augmenting the recess 131. In each case the region A is compressible outwardly from the neck of the wearer and when not in use restores itself to the position illustrated. In the case of the construction such as FIG. 16, the cover itself also restores itself to the completely closed position while in the construction of FIGS. 11, 15, 17, the molded plastic restores itself to the original position so that the slit 119 is substantially closed when the life preserver is not in use. The life preservers thus constructed have maximum buoyancy since in a given dimension all of the plastic is available for developing a buoyant force for the wearer of the life preserver according to the invention.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described it will be understood that many modifications and changes can be made within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising two halves comprising a buoyant, first body portion having a through substantially elongated slit extending between major face surfaces of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and having zones adjacent said through slit compressible to form said slit into a neck-receiving opening for receiving the neck of a wearer and capable of self-restoration for closing said opening, said zones comprising at least one through opening for causing said zones to be more compressible, a buoyant, second unitary body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion positionable in adjaccent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life-preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.

2. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, first body portion having a through substantially elongated slit extending between major face surfaces of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and having zones adjacent said through slit compressible to form said slit into a neck-receiving opening for receiving the neck of a wearer and capable of self-restoration for closing said opening, said zones comprising at least one through opening for causing said zones to be more compressible, a buoyant, second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion positionable in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said first body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining said slit between them, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.

3. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two halves comprising a buoyant, first body portion having a through substantially elongated slit extending between major face surfaces of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and having zones adjacent said through slit compressible to form said slit into a neck-receiving opening for receiving the neck of a wearer and capable of self-restoration for closing said opening, said zones comprising at least one through opening for causing said zones to be more compressible, a buoyant, second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion positionable in adjacent side-by-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said first body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining said slit between them, means comprising a cover enclosing said second portion and separately enclosing said two parts of said first portion and comprising a flexible part thereof for pivotally connecting said two portions, and means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof.

4. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, plastic, first body portion having a through substantially elongated slit extending between major face surfaces of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and having zones adjacent said through slit compressible in a direction to form said slit into a neck-receiving opening for receiving the neck of a wearer and capable of self-restoration for closing said opening, a buoyant, plastic second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion positionable in adjacent sideby-side relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said first body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining said slit between them, means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof, said zones each comprising a plastic area provided with through cells for causing said zones to be more readily compressible, and said plastic areas having the character- 1.0 istic of self-restoration to given dimensions in the absence of compressive forces be ng applied thereto.

5. A foldable, yoke-type life preserver comprising, two plastic halves comprising a buoyant, plastic first body portion having a through substantially elongated slit extending between major face surfaces of the body thereof for receiving therein the neck of a wearer of the life preserver and having zones adjacent said through slit compressible in a direction to form said slit into a neckreceiving opening for receiving the neck of a wearer and capable of self-restoration for closing said opening, a buoyant, plastic second body portion pivotally fixed to said first body portion positionable in adjacent side-byside relation and positionable relative the first body portion in face-to-face relationship so that one body portion overlies the other in registry therewith so that said life preserver is foldable into a compact, buoyant, folded unit and in said side-by-side relation the life preserver is in extended condition and said body portions form substantially an extension of each other, said first body portion comprising two next adjacent parts spaced apart defining said slit between them, said two body portions having the configurations of quadrilaterals, means to secure the life preserver on the body of a wearer thereof, said zones each comprising a plastic area provided with through cells communicating with opposite major faces of said parts for causing said zones to be more readily compressible, and said plastic areas having the characteristic of self-restoration to given dimensions in the absence of compressive forces being applied thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,117,528 Solomon Nov. 17, 1914 1,127,930 Smack Feb. 9, 1915 1,670,887 Gibson May 22, 1928 2,629,118 Frieder Feb. 24, 1953 2,724,133 Sorrell Nov. 22, 1955 2,803,023 Rosenberg Aug. 20, 1957 3,065,476 Brown Nov. 27, 1962 3,076,206 Shaw Feb. 5, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS 12,020 Great Britain 1889 6,433 Great Britain 1914 141,909 Great Britain Apr. 29, 1920 

1. A FOLDABLE, YOKE-TYPE LIFE PRESERVER COMPRISING TWO HALVES COMPRISING A BUOYANT, FIRST BODY PORTION HAVING A THROUGH SUBSTANTIALLY ELONGATED SLIT EXTENDING BETWEEN MAJOR FACE SURFACES OF THE BODY THEREOF FOR RECEIVING THEREIN THE NECK OF A WEARER OF THE LIFE PRESERVER AND HAVING ZONES ADJACENT SAID THROUGH SLIT COMPRESSIBLE TO FORM SAID SLIT INTO A NECK-RECEIVING OPENING FOR RECEIVING THE NECK OF A WEARER AND CAPABLE OF SELF-RESTORATION FOR CLOSING SAID OPENING, SAID ZONES COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE THROUGH OPENING, SAID ZONES COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE THROUGH OPENING FOR CAUSING SAID ZONES TO BE MORE COMPRESSIBLE, A BUOYANT, SECOND UNITARY BODY PORTION PIVOTALLY FIXED TO SAID FIRST BODY PORTION POSITIONABLE IN ADJACCENT SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION AND POSITIONABLE RELATIVE THE FIRST BODY PORTION IN FACE-TO-FACE RELATIONSHIP SO THAT ONE BODY PORTION OVERLIES THE OTHER IN REGISTRY THEREWITH SO THAT SAID LIFE PRESERVER IS FOLDABLE INTO A COMPACT, BUOYANT, FOLDED UNIT AND IN SAID SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION THE LIFE-PRESERVER IS IN EXTENDED CONDITION AND SAID BODY PORTIONS FORM SUBSTANTIALLY AN EXTENSION OF EACH OTHER, AND MEANS TO SECURE THE LIFE PRESERVER ON THE BODY OF A WEARER THEREOF. 